A tattoo artist who plans to set up the first parlour in Ed Sheeran’s home town said he hoped the singer might “pop in to say hello”.
Adie Ellis, who grew up in Framlingham, like Ed did, has plans to open The Ink Parla next to 221B Bakery in the town in the next couple of months.
He has built a reputation as a talented tattooist from the business’s current base in Bentwaters, Rendlesham, after completing an apprenticeship at Top Gun Tattoo Studio in Woodbridge.
However, the 33-year-old father-of-one, said the time was right for a new venture.
“I still see Framlingham as my home town and this just seemed like the natural progression,” Mr Ellis said. “I thought it was time to move on.”
News that a tattoo parlour and vape bar would be setting up in Framlingham had been generally welcomed by the town’s business community, despite some “initial resistance”.
While it is a marked departure from the current range of shops in the town, Framlingham Business Association said it would appeal to a new range of customers. And at least one former resident is known for his appreciation for body art.
Mr Ellis said Ed, who has more than 60 tattoos so far, would be more than welcome to “pop in to say hello”. He is considering an Ed Sheeran range of tattoos. Other links include Ink Parla’s deal with Hoax, the Suffolk clothing brand, which Ed supports as an unpaid ambassador.
Mr Ellis, who now lives in Halesworth, used to skate for Hoax and one of his staff currently leads its team. The shop will be stocking Hoax clothes.
Another ambition for the new venture is to give young artists a place to display their work.
Although he is now pursuing his creative passions, Mr Ellis spent several years working in a burger van and says many artistic youngsters struggle to find a job to match their talents.
“I know lots of really good artists who have never had the chance to display their work,” he added. “Hopefully, if I can give people somewhere to exhibit, it will inspire them to keep creating.
“I don’t want them to lose hope at a young age, like I nearly did.”
He said young artists would be invited to display their work as exhibitions or for people to buy.
“It could be somewhere for them to get their name out there,” he said.
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